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<p>The department does not collect specific information on the numbers of parents/guardians
who access respite care. However, The Children and Families Act (2014) provides a
framework to ensure that children with autism are identified early and receive the
support they need. A disabled child would fall under the category of a child in need
and parents, guardians or professionals could make a referral to the local authority
children’s services who are best placed to assess the needs and priorities of disabled
children in their area.</p><p>Information regarding how much local authorities have
planned to spend on their short breaks/respite provision through the authorities’
annual section 251 returns can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-local-authority-school-finance-data"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-local-authority-school-finance-data</a>.</p><p>Giving
children and young people with autism the right start in life is hugely important
in ensuring that they can have successful and rewarding lives. We want all children,
no matter what their special educational need or disability, to be able to reach their
full potential and receive the right support to succeed in their education and as
they move into adult life. That is why we have put in place significant reforms, aimed
at making the system less confrontational and promoting better involvement of parents
and a real focus on outcomes and transition to adult life.</p>
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